Museums in Perthshire
The area around Blairgowrie and Dunkeld has some great museums to visit. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or family‑friendly experiences, there’s something for everyone. In Birnam (Dunkeld), you’ll find the Beatrix Potter Exhibition & Garden, which is ideal for a day out with young children and reflects the time Beatrix Potter spent in the area.
One of the best museums in Perthshire is the Black Watch Castle & Museum, which offers a fascinating look into the regiment’s military history. Also in Perth, the Perth Art Gallery is well worth a visit, showcasing Scottish art and a strong local heritage collection. In Dundee, the V&A sits on the waterfront and is dedicated to design, while The McManus — Dundee’s art gallery and museum — is another interesting stop.
The Beatrix Potter Exhibition & Garden
The Beatrix Potter Exhibition & Garden in Birnam is located inside the Birnam arts. It is a lovely venue where you can find local art exhibitions and also live music concerts. The Beatrix Potter exhibition takes a look into Beatrix Potters life and the connection that she had with the area, after having spent childhood holidays here.
Birnam Arts also hosts local art exhibitions, live music, workshops and community events, making it a worthwhile stop during a day out in Dunkeld and Birnam.
The Black Watch Castle & Museum
The Black Watch Castle & Museum in Perth is one of the best-known museums in Perthshire and offers a fascinating look at the history of Scotland’s oldest Highland regiment. The museum is very friendly and has lots of activities for kids to take part in. The museum is located at Balhousie Castle, next to the North Inch. The exhibition includes uniforms; medals photograph and service stories. It is an interesting and informative visit, and to top it off, the Bistro cafe is great for a coffee, lunch or afternoon tea.
V&A Dundee
The V&A Dundee is Scotland’s national museum of design, is unmissable on the waterfront of Dundee, characterised by the bold look of layered, horizontal concrete panels. Designed by architect Kengo Kuma. The museum is host to many different exhibitions that change frequently. It is always worth checking on the website to see what is currently on. The museum also has a great cafe, perfect for lunch and afternoon tea.